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Serbia meets all EU human rights criteria

Belgrade, 13 June 2009

Minister for Human and Minority Rights Svetozar Ciplic today stated that Serbia is working on improving the position of Roma much more than a majority of EU countries, adding that we have already met all the human rights criteria necessary for joining the EU.

Serbia meets all EU human rights criteria

In an interview with the Tanjug news agency, Ciplic noted that Serbia’s efforts are still not enough for the full integration of Roma in our society.

Talking about the results achieved during Serbia’s presidency over the Decade of Roma Inclusion, the Minister pointed out that it will take 10 to 20 years to achieve Roma inclusion, as the issue must be treated systematically.

The Roma people living in Belgrade say that regardless of social, health and other problems, their life is much better here than in other countries, said Ciplic, adding that entire Europe is tackling the problem of Roma segregation.

According to official data, as well as UN estimates, around 450.000 Roma live in Serbia, said the Minister and voiced his belief that Roma will be included in the 2012 census.

He pointed out that Serbia pays special attention to the protection of human rights and is making every effort to implement EU standards. He stressed that the protection of human rights before national courts is also at high level.

Ciplic recalled that a bill on national minority councils has entered parliamentary procedure and that 15 national minority councils have already been established in Serbia.

The Minister said that the Albanian minority in Serbia does not have its own national council, which is a great problem because Albanian citizens living in Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja are not able to achieve their minority rights.

Since October 5, 2000 Serbia has made considerable progress when it comes to tolerance. According to UNHCR’s estimates, Serbia is one of the most tolerant countries in the region, concludes the Minister.